Combination mortar



Aug. 21, 1945. c. F. SHAFFER COMBINATION MORTAR 4 Filed Aug. 11, 1941 IN V EN TOR. Cl. E v5 E .5l-m FFE-g Arrone/vcr Patented Aug. 21,1 1945 COMBINATION Moit'rrnay Cleve F. Shader, San Francisco, Calif., assignor of thirty per cent to Martin C. Mogensen, Martinez, thirty per cent to Herbert W. Erskine, Piedmont, five per cent to Herman J. Fanger,

`^ Oakland, and live per cent to Henry Gruenhagen, Oakland, Calif.

Application Augst 11, 1941,'seria1No. 406,301

'c1aims.

This invention relates to mortars of themilitary type and more particularly to a combination. y

mortar for ring either by trigger operation or so-called drop-firing, and for selectivefuse as a shoulder weapon or for ground ring. It is particularly adapted for use With a type of grenade disclosed in my co-pending application Serial No. 392,878, led May 10, 1941, (Patent No. 2,378,735, granted June'1'9, 1945) for Grenade. By reference to my co-pending application for grenade, it will benoted that there wasdisclosed therein a grenade comprisingan explosive head and a shank or shaftattached thereto. Broadly, that is the structure of one typeV of hand grenade employed by military4 forces at the present time. In that grenade I. disclosed 4an adapter unit whereby the grenade might .be employed for manual Athrowing or for ring in a mortar of the type disclosedherein.. The present invention incorporates thefeatures of the mortar forring a grenade and this, application is, a continuation in part ofiny said zzo-pendingv application referred to above, and in which the advantages of a light-Weight combination mortar for firing such grenades Was set forth.

Among the objects of the present invention are to provide a simple, compact and light-weight military mortar adapted for transportation and fast set-up, and operation in its entirety by one man, and including particularly parachute and air-borne troops. A further object of the in- Vention is to provide a-mortar adaptable for use in. trigger and so-called drop-firing from the ground, or for use as a shoulder weapon with a minimum recoilfor conditions of terrain, such as flooded areas, swamps, sand, etc., where an ordinary mortar cannot be laid; and for conditions where grenade throwing would be impossible by reason of distance, or directive accuracy, or other reasons; a further object is to. provide a weaponsuitable for the smallest group of soldiers, o1' squad, which does .not require special ammunition, the supply'of whichmight be cut 01T, but which can usethe same grenadeas -is provided the individual soldier. A further object is to provide a mortar having a controlled exhaust from the combustion chamber whereby the recoil of the mortar may be controlled ,when fired and also whereby the distance night-range of the grenade or projectile may likewise be controlled.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, all of which will-be more apparent as this description proceeds, the invention is exemplified in one formin' the novel construction andcombination of parts hereinafter described,- lillustrated in the accompanying v drawing, :and pointed out in the v claims hereto appended, it being understood that vvarious changes in the form, proportion, size and details of construction of the apparatus may be resortedgto within the scope of the appended claims without departing` from the spirit or. sacricing yany ofthe advan` tages of theinvention-y To more clearly` comprehend thel invention, reference is directed to the accompanying-drawing wherein: Fig. `1 is va perspective View of the' mortar of the invention mounted upon a basev plate. l

Fig. 2 is a side elevation partlybroken away ofthe mortarof the invention. mountedin shoul-A der-firing relation toa combined casing and shoulder stock.

Fig. 3 is a. fragmentarylongitudinal view of the mortar4 barrel partly in section and partly, brokenaway. f,

Fig., 4 vis an enlarged side elevation of a calibrated dial structure` andshowing avalve C Ontrolling member fragmentarily. I Fig. 5 is a perspective -of carrying case housing the'mortar barrel therein, inthe mannerof carryingthe mortar in the case byshoulder strap,

Fig. 6 is a side View of a Vspademember including in section a fragmentary portionof a base plate. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a keyed bracket member.

Fig. 8 is a transverse cross section ofcarrier case on line VIII-VIII of Fig. 2.

Referringy to thev drawing, in which like chal-` with the exterior of the barrel as at Ill providingA an end portion of the barrel with extra thickness; which may have threads lwhereby the breech. blockr I,2 and the barrel may be relativelyL tightly connected.

The breechlblock I2 is built member so as to take the rearwardfthrust of theexplosive force in the barreLbut a portion thereof is recessed. to receive mechanism for a ring pin I6` which, is normallymaintainedat a; forward position as1 shown in Fig. 3 by coil spring.

Il wlflchis relatively stiff. .The firing: pin may a relatively-solid heavily be retracted and released for percussion ring by an exterior trigger memrber I8 which has a cam I9 internally of the breech block and which engages a small plate 20 on the firing pin I6 to compress the spring I1 rearwardly, the cam. having a flat side which in the course of rotation of the trigger I8 releases the plate 20 so that the firing pin is forceably actuated forwardly to contact a fuse cap of a shell 2I |Within the barrel. The breech block is also provided with a conduitv 22 which communicates with the explosion chamber of the barrel I and with arecess 23, the latter also having in communication there- With an exhaust tube 2 4 which extends longitudinally of the exterior of the mortar `barrel IIJ and has a free open end 25 adjacent the mortar muzzle which is stabilized thereat by a split ring member 26, the top 2lia of which is an aiming sight. The communication between the conduitl 22 and the exhaust tube 24, through recess 23, is adjustably controlledv by a valve stem 21 which is threadedly mounted inthe recess 23 and is manipulable by a thumbnut 28, the latter having a pointer'- 29 which is turnable with the thumbnut 28 to different positions on the two superposed calibrated dials 30 and 3-I each having separate calibrations thereonto` indicate the extent to Which the valve stem 21 should be opened or closed to secure desired range of projectile, or to control recoil, dependent on Whether the mortar is being employed as a ground firing weapon as shown in Fig. 1 or as a shoulder firing weapon as shown in Fig. 2. Obviously, the more the valve stem 21 is opened the 'greaterthe communication between the conduit -22 and theexhaust twbe 24, for controlling the amount of explosive gasesl which are exhausted through the conduit and exhaust tube-for reducing the explosive 'force exerted upon the projectile in the barrel. It is also obvious that, though the explosive gases exhausted-through the conduit and tube A22, 24 will decrease `the projected flight of a projectile, .it also regulates to adjustably increase or decrease theamount of recoil in the mortar when ernployed as a shoulder Weapon.

Rearwardly of the breech block and closing the. rearwardend of vthe bore therein as by threads 33 is a member which for lackfof a better term is called a bastion lblock 34 to distinguish it from a buttress block hereinafter mentioned. Besides serving as a closure for the breech block and as a rear end mounting for the trigger pin I6, xthe bastion block serves as a foot by which the mortar may be mounted on a base member 35 for ground firing as shown in Fig. 1, for which purpose the bastion block is provided in its butt with a threaded recess 36. To each side thereof is mounted a tubular lug 31 which receives therethrough pintle pins 38 by which the bastion block is hingedly connected to correspondingly bored straps 39:1'lxedly attached to the base 35. In the present exemplication the base member 35 com.- prises segmental plates 35a ad35b each of which is hinged rby a pintle 38 to` one side of the |bastion block so that the segments of the plates may be hingedly folded up to lie flat against the sides of the mortar barrel, one of the plates having a recess 40 in its :circumferential edge to accommodate the finger grip portion o-f the trigger .I8 when the plates are thus folded. A spirit level devicev 4I may also be mounted on the bastion block `to visibly indicate Whether-the mortar base is horizontal to the ground so that the-barrel.

of the mortar which is in fixed relation to the base is at its fixed or predetermined' elevation and thus is at proper ring angle in ground firing. A means are provided for stabilizing the ring of the mortar in ground ring as herein shown comprising a spade spike 42 for entry into the ground, the spade having at its upper end a plate 43 which is circumferentially threaded as at 44 and has an axially extended threaded stem 45 for passing through an opening 46 in the base member 35 and threadedly engaging the recess 36 in the bastion block; the plate 43 when pressed against segmental plates 35%335b holds them rigid in proper relationship with horizontal spirit level 4 I, the purpose of threading the circumference of plate 43 being to permit the spade spike to forma barrel closure when notin use, to be carried in the muzzle end of the barrel by engagement of the threads 44 With the'barrel threads I I, thus keeping d-irt, etc., out of the barrel.

A hand grip member 46 may also be attached exteriorly of the barrel I0 by means of split rings 41, being .spaced from the barrel as shown in Fig. 3 and having perforations48 therein to prevent it from becoming overheated.

A casing 50 is provided to-hold the mortar when it is being transported as-by shoulder strap 5I in the manner shown in Fig-.5'. Thiscasing is tubular and' has an offset .tubular portion 5UEL so that. the exhaust `tube 24 will readily slide into t'he casing With the barrel. When the mortar isvvithinthe barrel the threaded stem-45V may extend through a smalliopening 5Iv and thus serve to. center the barrel in the casing. It is preferred that the casing be somewhat shorter than the barrel I0 so .that the mechanism in the breech block end will .projectsomewhatl beyond the casing, but at the same time be protected by thefoldedplates 35a andA 35".

When desired, the casing may serve asa shoulder stock so :that the mortar maybe adaptedfor shoulder ring. .For this purpose, thereismounted at the open insertend portion of the4 casing a shoulder `butt 52 which at one end has hingedconnection 53. to a` bracket 54 which is in turn secured to the open end portion of the casing. At its opposite end, the shoulder butt 52`is. provided with a 1,humbrelv.=:asedl spring hook 55 which engages a latch as at 56A on the casing andthus holds the shoulder butt. 52 in close and rigid contact with the open end of thecasing and'thereby completes a shoulder stock in like manner to the stock of a rifle.

52 is swung outward on its-:hinge 5'3. whereupon the spring hook engages a notch .51 inthe bottom `of the bastion block. and thus serves to hold the .mortar within `the casing, and also serves to yprotect the breech-end mechanism lon the side thereof Whichcontains. the level 4I `and the calibrated dials 30,31 and the Athumb-nut valve regulator 28.r The hinge53vhasl two' clamp nuts 58 which carry thereunder spring fingers 59 which engage the `outer surface lof the plates 35a, 35b to maintain them in position vwhen the plates are .folded against the barrel.

When employing the mortar' as. a shoulder weapon, the pintle pins .38` are withdrawn from engagement withthe vplates v35e, 35h, and the butt end of the bastion block may then beA similarly mounted by the samek pins in abuttress i block 60 mounted on the outside Aof the casing 50 intermediate its ends, the buttress block having flanges 6I having suitable holes tl'iereth'rough` for reception of the pintle pins 38V Which'like.- vWise pass through the tubular .lugs .31 of the.

bastion block 34. The closed end of the casing Which is opposite the shoulder butt has an angleiron bracket B2 fixedly secured thereto and providing a slot S3 in one of its arms which lays parallel and preferably in close contact with the outer surface of the casing 50, the' slot 63 having a key slotA 64 therein to receive the complementarily keyed lug B5 which is mounted on the mortar barrel. Thus, the mortar barrel is securely and quickly fastened to and stabilized against either horizontal or vertical movement relative to the casing 5l] and the combined barrel and casing become a shoulder weapon for operation by means of the trigger I8.

Other facilities may be optionally provided in connection with the use 0i the mortar as a shoulder weapon, one of which may be a spring claw 61 which is pivotally mounted as at 68 on a half collar ES which is optionally rotatable around y outer periphery of the mortar barrel by `adjustment of nut on' bolt 59a of tightening strap 69h, the claw 61 having an extending nger l@ for engaging a lug H on half collar 69. Thus, the claw 61 may normally be folded up to lie against'the barrel as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2, but when desired may be turned outwardly until the finger 'l0 engages the lug 'll and the claw is then adaptable for engaging a fence post or window sill downwardly, as shown in Fig. 2, or by rotating the collar 90 degrees so that pivot 68 is beneath the barrel, the claw may beextended horizontally outward as shown in Fig. 1 to engage a tree, the side of a building, pole, or other substantially solid body for stabilization of the mortar in aiming and absorbing. recoil when it is used as a shoulder weapon.

It has briey been stated that the present mortar is especially adapted for firing the grenade described in my previously filed copending application. As shown in Fig, 3 hereof the grenade is provided at one end with an adapter which comprises an elongated tubular member generally indicated 'l5 which is perforated as at 76 and has axially longitudinal fins TI about its exterior so that the tubular member ts slidably within the barrel I@ to receive the explosive shell `2| which is fired by the firing pin I6. It will be understood that the shaft of the grenade of which the adapter l5 constitutes one end portion, extends the entire length of the barrel ID and has its explosive head I8 preferably extending beyond the muzzle end of the barrel. No further description of the grenade is deemed necessary in view of its very complete description in my aforesaid co-pend-ing application. However, it is to be understood that this mortar may use a shorter grenade, with head of smaller dimensions, inside the barrel, and is not restricted to any type of grenade.

When used as a shoulder weapon, the spike or spade can be put inside the case to lprevent loss and the base plates put into breast pockets of a soldier as shields, and of course, the pins can be chained to the mortar base so that no parts will be lost. Preferably all screws, bolts, etc., have a slot so that a coin can turn them.

From the foregoing description, it will be noted that I have provided a mortar with all parts attached and assembled for fast set-up and laying which can be made of very light construction, which can be conveniently transported and operated by one man, is especially adaptable, in combination with its-casing, for use by all categories of troops who Will always have a potential supply of itsl ammunition, and which may be .employed as a ground weapon'as shown in Fig. 1, in which event it maybe utilizedfor either dropiiring or `trigger ring;`and is also adapted in combination with a utilization of the casing as a shoulder weapon.

In other words, I have provided a weapon that greatly increases the` individual soldiers field and range of action, fire power and importance, and gives to the army using it a vital advantage in front line, direct and indirect, light artillery against Venemy personnel.

. Having thus described my invention, I claim;

l. A military mortar including a barrel having a muzzle end forreceiving an explosive projectile,

and having itsopposite end closed by a breech block, and having a firing pin in the breecl'lblock and a trigger for operating the firing pin, in combination with a casing adapted selectively to receive the mortar ybarrel therein and as a shoulder stock, said casing having an exterior buttress block intermediate its ends adapted for receiving thereagainst the `bastion block of the mortar barrel, and a shoulder butt hingedly connected to the casing at an end portion, the said shoulder butt having a spring hook member adapted for lockingly engaging the bastion block when the mortar is within the casing and for lockingly engaging the casing body when the mortar is mounted on the exterior of the casing,

the barrel of the mortar including adjacent its muzzle end`a claw member for engaging an extraneous object for stabilizing the mortar barrel and absorbing recoil when the mortar is employed as a shoulder weapon.

2. A military mortar includingy a barrel having a muzzle end for receiving an `explosive projectile, and having its opposite end closed by a breech block, and having a trigger operated ring pin in combination with a casing adapted selectively 40d to receive the mortar barrel therein and as a as a shoulder weapon.

shoulder stock, said casing having an exterior buttress block intermediate its ends adapted for receiving thereagainst the bastion' block of the mortar barrel, means for releasably connecting the mortar barrel to the exterior of the casing and holding the bastion block and buttress block in abutting relation, and a shoulder butt hingedly connected to the casing at an end portion, the said shoulder butt having a spring hookmernber adapted for lockingly engaging the bastion block when the mortar is within the casing and for lockingly engaging the casing body when the mortar is mounted on the exterior of the casing,` the barrel of the mortar including adjacent its muzzle end a claw member for engaging an `extraneous object for stabilizing the mortar barrel and absorbing recoil when the mortar is employed 3. A military mortar including a Ibarrel having a muzzle end for receiving an explosive projectile, and having its opposite endclosed by a breech block, and having a firing pin in thebreech blockv anda trigger for operating the firing pin, in combination with a casing adapted selectively to receive the mortar barrel therein and as a shoulder stock, said casing having an exterior buttress block intermediate its ends adapted for receiving thereagainst the bastion block of the mortar barrel, and a shoulder butt hingedly connected to the casing at an''end portion, the said shoulder butt having a spring hook member Aadapted for lockingly engaging the bastion block when the mortar is within the casing and Afor lockingly engaging the casing body when the mortar is mounted on the exterior of the casing.

4. A military mortar including a lbarrel having a muzzle end for receiving an explosive projectile, and having its opposite vend closed'by a breech block, and having a trigger operated firing pin in combination with a casing adapted selectively to receive the mortar 4barrel ytherein and as a shoulder stock, said casing having an vexterior buttress block intermediate its ends adapted for receiving thereagainst the bastion block of the mortar barrel, means for releasably connecting the mortar barrel to the exterior of the casing and holding the bastion block and buttress block in abutting relation, and a shoulder butt hingedly connected to the casing at an `end portion, the said shoulder butt having a spring hook member adapted for lockingly engaging the bastion block When the mortar is Within the casing and for lockingly engaging the casing body when the mortar is mounted on the exterior of the casing.

5. A mortar comprising a unitary assembly of a barrel having a muzzle end for receiving an explosive projectile and being rclosed at its opposite end by a breech block having a firing pin anda trigger for operating the firing pin, in combination With a hollow casing having internal dimensions sufficient for receiving and enclosing the unitary barrel assembly, said casing having at one end a, closure member adapted, selectively,

as a shoulder butt and as a releasable closure member for said casing end, and said casing and said barrel assembly each having on the exterior thereof a plurality of relatively spaced releasable locking connecting means adapted for interengagement to .releasably connect the barrel assembly and casing, one of said locking means being spaced intermediate the ends of the respective barrel and casing, whereby, when said p lurality of locking means of casing and barrel are, interengaged, an end portion of the' barrel and an end portion of the casing overlap each other in locked engagement.

CLEVE F. SHAFFER. 

